Page 93 of Those That Don't Exist
“I…” I don’t know what to say.
We lapse into silence again. Hours pass. The glass of blood gets replaced again by a stocky male who looks like he spends every hour in a gym. I barely notice. I’m bleeding out on the inside as Ty’s words rattle through my head. The pain builds and builds beneath my skin. Even with everything that’s happened between us the strongest stabbing sensation comes from the fact our relationship is in tatters.
I look at him, my heart lurching in my chest. He looks almost peaceful. I think he might’ve fallen asleep as his head has fallen back, resting against his arm being held so uncomfortably upright by the chains above.
“I love you.” The words slip past my lips. They’re quiet, a soft whisper, but it’s a relief get them out. Despite all the talk of forever and being mates we’ve never said those three words.
I don’t expect Ty to be conscious enough to hear me. Of course, he jolts upright, his sharp blue eyes meet mine in shock.
“You do? Still?” he says tentatively, like he thinks he might’ve been dreaming of my confession.
“Yes. I love you. I’m in love with you. I’m so sorry I ran away.” A tear streaks down my cheek.
“No, Aurora. I handled the situation so wrong. I should’ve been able to protect you better.”
“Please, stop calling me Aurora. Please.”
“Red.” His voice cracks on the word. “You are my everything.” Tears now streak his cheeks too. “I love you too.”
Those eight words simultaneously break me and forge me. I didn’t know it but they’re my final barrier. I can lose my old life, I can lose this city, my degree. I can’t lose him. A strength buried deep inside starts to burn as I allow myself to feel the depth of my feelings toward him, the bond between us.
Faint footsteps snap my attention as they grow louder. It doesn’t feel like it’s been long enough since they brought fresh blood but that’s the only time we hear anything.
The footsteps multiply which is even more concerning.
My eyes meet Ty’s gaze for a heartbeat before we’re both scrambling to stand. My hands scream with the blood rush as they’re no longer stretched above me. My legs feel so weak, I have to lean against the wall for support. As our chains stop rattling as Adicious and Ronan enter the room.
“Aurora, my darling. You do look good in my clothes.” Adicious looks me up and down as he steps to my side of the room.
My stomach roils at the revelation. At least they must’ve been fresh because his scent wasn’t on them. Ty’s chains rattle across from me letting me know his reaction. He’s pissed.
“I apologise for the current hospitality,” Adicious continues, glancing around the room. “It has been a necessary measure but was always intended to be temporary. How would you like the move to your new room upstairs?”
His smile sets me on edge even more.
“What do you mean?” I ask, trying to not sound as weak as I currently am.
“Well, you’re to join the pack officially. We’ve set up a lovely room for you.”
“I’ll pass.”
“It’s not a question, Aurora. It is time you take on your new responsibilities as my mate, and as part of this pack. I’ve waited long enough.”
I go to answer back but a menacing growl cuts through the room. Adicious turns to Ty slowly. My breath hitches.
“She’s not yours.” Ty’s voice is laced in lethal fury. Adicious shoots towards him, pushing him fully into the wall at his back by the throat.
“I made her. I scent no mate bond on her, therefore she’s mine for the taking. You failed in your rebellion. What was it? Didn’t have the balls to complete the bond?” Adicious spitsthrough his fangs. I want to rip him away from Ty but can't move more than a foot from the wall. Still, I try.
“She’ll never choose you,” Ty snarls back in his face.
The responding chuckle from Adicious chills me to my bones. He releases Ty with another slam of his body against the wall and stalks towards me once more. I step back.
“I’ll never choose you,” I repeat Ty’s last statement.
“You don't have a choice, little female.” Adicious’s purr crawls over my skin.
“You can’t make me bite you, the mate bond has to be reciprocal. I’d have to sink my fangs into you, and I’d rather die first.” I hold his gaze, projecting a bravado I don’t feel.
